In defense of abortion, by Nathan Nobis

An argument in defense of early abortion. 

Deductive arguments

 Actually deductive arguments does not need to be based on facts. It just has to he structured in such a way that if the premises are true, the conclusion must be. For example, it is a valid deductive argument to say "Abortion is murder, murder should be legal, therefore abortion should be legal." However it' going to be tough selling people on the second premise.

Free speech is free speech-like it or not

If you think it’s dangerous for Florida’s legislators to have the power to police speech in public school classrooms, then you should find it equally outrageous for Colorado legislators to try to mandate what pronouns parents can use with their own children in their own homes or journalists can use when reporting stories.

Hitler's Crib

 There are cases when what maximizes utility contradicts a principle. What if you are in a position to kill someone you know will do great harm to the world. What if, for example, you are transported back in time and are standing over Hitler's crib. There is a pillow handy. Do you smother him, especially if you think you are going to return to 2025 forthwith?

Utilitarianism and tax policy

 If you raise taxes on the wealthy, you hurt some of those people, though they can afford to lose their thirteenth yacht. But presumably the money could be used to help more people. (Though I know there are debates about this.) Still, in this context, is it best to use utiilitarianism to decide what to do?

What principles do we use to determine tax policy?

Classroom advocacy

 I have often noted the disparity between the way in which religious advocacy in the classroom is treated and the way anti-religious advocacy is treated. It is as if they think that you can't violate the Establishment Clause if you attack religion in class, because atheism is a religion like not collecting stamps is a religion. So we can shove atheism down your throat all you want to, but if you advocate your religious views in class, there is an issue with the Establishment Clause. You ought at least to have the right to say in class "I'm a believer, here's why" or "I am an unbeliever, here's why." But your first job is to be fair in presenting the case on both sides. I've had atheist professors who were good at doing that. Others, not so much. One of my former teachers in grad school notice a cross on the blackboard. He then put his head down on the desk and said "I won't start class until somebody erases that."

A libertarian defense of abortion and infanticide

 Here. 

Yep, infanticide has its defenders.

AI on whether abortion is cheaper

Of course you also have the argument that capital punishment is cheaper.  

While the costs of abortion and childbirth vary, some argue that the long-term costs to the state of raising a child are greater than the costs of providing abortion care, potentially leading to a situation where abortion is cheaper for the state than live birth. [1, 2, 3]

Here's a more detailed look at the arguments and considerations:

Arguments for Abortion Being Cheaper: [1, 3]

• Long-Term Costs of Raising a Child: The costs associated with raising a child, including education, healthcare, housing, and social services, are significantly higher than the costs of an abortion procedure. [1, 3]
• Medicaid Costs: In states where Medicaid covers abortion, the cost of the procedure is often lower than the cost of providing prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum care for a live birth. [3, 4]
• Reduced Strain on Social Services: By choosing abortion, individuals may avoid the potential strain on social services that can arise from raising a child, such as childcare, welfare, and education programs. [3]

Arguments Against Abortion Being Cheaper: [5, 6, 7]

• Abortion Costs Vary: The cost of an abortion can vary greatly depending on the type of procedure, the stage of pregnancy, and the location of the provider. [5, 6, 7]
• Post-Abortion Care: There can be costs associated with post-abortion care, such as medication, follow-up appointments, and potential complications. [8]
• Ethical Considerations: Some people have strong moral or religious beliefs that abortion is never justifiable, regardless of the costs. [1]
• Mental Health Concerns: Some studies suggest that women who have abortions may experience increased risks of mental health problems, which could lead to increased healthcare costs. [9]

Other Factors to Consider: [4, 10]

• State-Specific Laws and Regulations: Abortion laws and regulations vary by state, which can impact the cost and accessibility of abortion care. [4, 10]
• Insurance Coverage: Some health insurance plans may not cover abortion services, which can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs. [4, 11]
• Access to Abortion Care: In some areas, access to abortion care is limited, which can increase the cost and difficulty of obtaining an abortion. [12]
• The Hyde Amendment: The Hyde Amendment, which restricts the use of federal Medicaid funds for abortion, can lead to higher costs for individuals seeking abortion care. [4, 13]
• Abortion Funds: Organizations like the National Network of Abortion Funds help cover the costs of abortion for those who cannot afford it. [5, 12]

Generative AI is experimental.

[1] https://www.chathamhouse.org/publications/the-world-today/2022-06/counting-cost-abortion-ban

[2] https://www.foxnews.com/politics/a-birth-more-expensive-than-abortion-co-dems-argue-fiscal-virtues-liberal-health-care-bill

[3] https://www.aol.com/birth-more-expensive-abortion-co-195617817.html

[4] https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/issue-brief/the-hyde-amendment-and-coverage-for-abortion-services-under-medicaid-in-the-post-roe-era/

[5] https://abortionfunds.org/need-an-abortion/

[6] https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/in-clinic-abortion-procedures/how-do-i-get-an-in-clinic-abortion

[7] https://clearhealthcosts.com/blog/2024/11/abortion-cost-much/

[8] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7865195/

[9] https://news.yahoo.com/birth-more-expensive-abortion-co-195617817.html

[10] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/does-medicare-cover-abortions

[11] https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/the-abortion-pill/how-much-does-abortion-pill-cost

[12] https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/09/28/us/abortion-costs-funds.html

[13] https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/01/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-enforces-overwhelmingly-popular-demand-to-stop-taxpayer-funding-of-abortion/